The Mermaid Princesses: A Sister Tale

by Maya Cameron-Gordon, Mirelle Ortega (Illustrator)

A magical story starring three Black mermaid sisters who each wish to wear the underwater crown! Perfect for fans of Little Mermaid and Oona . Anaya, Shante, and Kianna are sisters. And these mermaid princesses couldn’t be more different! One day, when a problem too big for any of them to solve alone comes their way, they find out which one of them has what it takes to become legend of the sea. This fun adventure, inspired by African mermaid myth, magic, and spirituality, reminds young readers about the importance of teamwork and the different strengths we can all bring to the table—or throne.

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Mermaids, Childrens, Royalty, Family, Storytime

40 pages, Hardcover

Published March 28, 2023

Reviews

[Ms. Woc Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book follows three mermaid princess sisters who all want to be queen. It's a fun original mermaid story about working together and has beautiful illustrations. A must pick up book for mermaid loving children.

[Michael Valentino]

'The Mermaid Princesses' encapsulates a profound teaching in a simple and beautifully laid out story. The 3 qualities of the protagonists: Wisdom, Kindness, and Strength are found in all Human Beings but in varying degrees. Today's world has pitted us against each other creating difficulties for all of us. In the Mermaid Princesses three sisters are able to take the situation of self enclosure and competition they were born into and deeply transform it.

Very inspirational and important read for all of us.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mermaids are definitely having a moment, and young mer-fans will enjoy this sweet story about three mermaid sisters who learn to use their talents together instead of competing.

[Cynthia (booksycafeconleche) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story up until they had to bring up sorcery and fortune telling

[Thomas Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

We all have different strengths! We all want to be queen! A random dolphin turns out to be a spirit person and says we can all be queen! Yay! The end.

Yes, I like how they related this to some old African spiritual traditions in a particular tribe, but they sure didn't do a great job of it.

[Amber Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s cute. If you like to read about mermaids or mermaid myths then I highly recommend reading The Mermaid Princesses. It’s a graphic novel/picture book about African mermaids since (in the summary and the back of the book) the author mentions that South Africa has their version of mermaids and mermaid myths. It’s a good picture book for a young girl (about 4-7 years old) who’s starting to read or loves reading.

Since the picture book is about African mermaids, it’s nice to read about their versions of mermaids as compared to other countries mythologies about mermaids (like Greek mythological mermaids or American mermaids myths).

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 sister mermaids fight over who will be queen one day and their mother sends them away to learn how to be good sisters and protectors. While swimming they find a creature that needs help. One of them hatches a plan and explains it to her sisters. Another one uses her bravery to distract a predator. The third was the kindest and most determined to help others which is exactly what she does. Find out what their adventure has done to their community by reading this lovely picture book!

Wow! My students will go nuts for a mermaid book. I love the back matter that connects the story to African culture. This is a book I will add to both of my library collections this year!

[Amina · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books is The Mermaid Princesses.

The Mermaid Princesses gives me the feeling of being my younger self again but reading a book with characters who look like me. This book not only represents Bipoc but also portrays the characters as positive figures. I don't read picture books anymore, but I could spend all day reading this one! I'm even saving my copy for my future children to read!

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book a 4 because I love the author's heart behind it. To diversify Black fantasy as a genre, for children to see themselves represented in the literature, and to honor West African elements of the story.

But some pages are too wordy and thus make it a difficult book to do in a group setting. It would be different one on on but still I will confess to being a little disappointed.

[Aja · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter absolutely loved this book. The characters, story line and beautiful illustrations quickly made this one of her favorite books. Highly recommended for everyone, especially those devoted to elevating diverse stories.

[Rocio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story highlights the beauty of overcoming differences to work with others in a meaningful purpose. It's beautifully written and the illustrations are amazing. Highly recommended for all those looking for a nice story with diverse characters.

[Kelly]

So the text is from 2020 but the pictures are from 2023. I wonder if it was published elsewhere in 2020 and so when it came to America they needed/wanted a new illustrator. This is labeled as the "first revised edition."

Anyway, I really liked the story and the magic and the bright colors.

[Lacy | literary_lacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three princesses with unique gifts, but who will be queen? This is a book about working together, loving yourself, and how sometimes working together is better than working alone! I enjoyed this book very much, and my daughter was a fan, too!

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

An insipid tale about three mermaid princesses who all want to be queen. They all save a dolphin from a shark. The dolphin is really a magic mermaid who reveals they will all be queen. Everybody gets a trophy. And their dad is conspicuously absent from the story.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale inspired by African myths of mermaids off the west coast of Africa about three mermaid princesses who wondered which one of them would grow up to be Queen. A soul searching quest revealed to them the answer that they sought.

[Gabrielle Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delightful adventure to read. The world needs more books like this.

[Snaxx · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Black mermaid adventures PLEASE! Loved this one.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. This is a favorite in my home!

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughters ask me to read this book to them every night. Not only do I love that it has Black mermaid princesses, but it has a really beautiful message as well . I highly recommend this book!

[Toriano Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so awesome.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Three sister mermaids all want to be queen.

[Kassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet book with a lovely message about sisterhood and working together ❤️ a great addition to your collection. I especially loved the fun facts at the end!

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute and sweet.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like that none of the mermaids were sexualized nor wearing teeny skimpy shell tops.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story with a wonderful message about what we can be when we combine our individual strengths. The illustrations are incredible!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute art.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonus star for the octopus librarians ;-)

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so lovely!! I loved all three sisters and their relationship made me laugh (and reminded me of my sister's). I loved the queen too! The artwork was gorgeous. A wonderful book!!

[Jordan Family ReadAlouds · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would be 4 star except for the inclusions of sorcery at the end. Completely unnecessary.

[Kristine & Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 year old loved it. From the library